New chief focuses on digital
The new chief executive for Cox Automotive Australia and New Zealand is vowing to accelerate digital solutions to help the car industry thrive.
David Colwell will take up the role from November 30 and his appointment follows the semi-retirement of current chief executive Rob Whiten.
Colwell, pictured, is an Australian citizen who recently returned home after spending the past 12 years working in Asia, Europe and the UK. He was most recently global business development director of Inchcape, an automotive distribution, retail and services company headquartered in London.
Martin Forbes, president of Cox Automotive International, says Colwell has represented “many leading automotive brands on behalf of Inchcape and is highly credentialled”.
“He joins the company with extensive experience within import and distribution, retail dealerships and financial services,” explains Forbes.
“As a proven executive leader, his global experience within the automotive sector will stand him in great stead to lead the Australian and New Zealand operations through their next chapter of growth and success.”
Colwell is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and says he feels honoured to be joining Cox Automotive, reports GoAutoNews.
“I have been impressed with the organisation, their innovative nature, compelling product portfolio and desire to be at the forefront of change in the automotive industry,” he adds.
“Providing customers with the highest levels of service, combined with the strength of Cox, is an attractive proposition to make a real difference in a changing landscape.
“The way consumers interact with brands is rapidly changing and they expect all their experiences to be individualised, seamless and available at their convenience.
“I am passionate about the automotive industry providing customers with digitally enabled experiences, which are tailored to their needs and expectations. 2020 has been an extremely difficult year but one of the key learnings is that we need to accelerate the implementation of technology and digital solutions to ensure our industry can provide an efficient route to market, irrespective of the macro environment.”
Whiten, who became chief executive officer at Cox Automotive Australia and New Zealand in 2017, will retire from working in a full-time executive capacity in March 2021.
He will remain in the business until then and work with Forbes and Colwell to ensure a “comprehensive handover and smooth transition, both internally and for our customers and stakeholders”.
